When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Burlington Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that can leave lasting emotional, physical, and psychological scars. Survivors often struggle with fear, shame, and uncertainty about their legal options. No one should have to suffer in silence or feel powerless in the pursuit of justice. If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual abuse in Burlington, you have the right to hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable.

At Lanier Law Group, we are relentless in our fight for survivors. We provide compassionate, experienced legal representation to help survivors receive the justice, compensation, and support they deserve. Taking legal action is not just about financial recovery — it is about reclaiming control, exposing wrongdoing, and preventing further harm.

Understanding Your Rights as a Sexual Abuse Survivor in Burlington

Many survivors hesitate to come forward due to fear of retaliation, lack of evidence, or uncertainty about their legal rights. However, North Carolina law provides multiple pathways for survivors to seek justice. Both criminal and civil legal options are available, and while the criminal system focuses on punishing offenders, a civil lawsuit allows survivors to seek compensation for the harm they have endured.

Filing a lawsuit against an abuser or a negligent institution can help cover the costs of medical treatment, therapy, lost wages, and other damages. It also holds wrongdoers accountable and helps prevent future abuse. A skilled attorney can guide survivors through the legal process, ensuring their rights are protected every step of the way.

To get started, call 919-342-1368 today.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Sexual Abuse in Burlington?

Survivors of sexual abuse have the right to seek justice not only against the direct perpetrator but also against any organization, employer, or property owner whose negligence allowed the abuse to occur. Identifying all responsible parties is crucial in holding those who enabled or covered up abuse accountable.

Perpetrators

The individual responsible for committing the abuse can be held accountable in both criminal and civil court. Whether the perpetrator was a family member, teacher, coach, religious leader, or employer, they must face the consequences of their actions. A civil lawsuit allows survivors to seek compensation directly from the abuser, ensuring that they are not only punished through the criminal system but also held financially responsible for the harm they caused.

Employers and Institutions

Schools, churches, daycare centers, nursing homes, and other organizations have a duty to protect individuals from abuse. When they fail to properly screen employees, ignore complaints, or cover up misconduct, they can be held legally responsible for enabling harm. Institutions that neglect their responsibility to ensure a safe environment must be held accountable for their role in facilitating abuse.

Property Owners

Hotels, apartment complexes, and other property owners can also bear responsibility if inadequate security measures contributed to an assault. A property owner who fails to maintain proper lighting, secure entrances, or employ security personnel may be held liable if their negligence allowed an abuser to harm someone on their premises.

Third-Party Enablers

In some cases, individuals who were aware of the abuse but chose to ignore or conceal it can also be held accountable. This may include supervisors, religious leaders, family members, or coworkers who failed to report abuse when they had a duty to act. Those who enable or cover up sexual abuse should not be allowed to escape responsibility.

How a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Burlington Can Help You Seek Justice

Navigating the legal system after experiencing sexual abuse can feel overwhelming. Survivors may worry about confronting their abuser in court, facing retaliation, or reliving their trauma. A dedicated sexual abuse lawyer provides the legal guidance and emotional support survivors need to move forward with confidence.

At Lanier Law Group, we take a survivor-focused approach to legal advocacy. We investigate each case thoroughly, gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and consulting experts to build a strong case. Our team fights aggressively to secure the maximum compensation possible and that those responsible for the abuse are held accountable.

What to Expect When You File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in Burlington

Every case is unique, but the process of filing a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse typically follows a structured legal path.

Confidential Consultation

The first step is speaking with an attorney in a private, judgment-free setting. We understand that coming forward is difficult, so we provide a safe space where survivors can share their experiences at their own pace. Every attorney at our firm has completed rigorous trauma-informed care training, equipping us to handle your case with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to your well-being. During this consultation, we will discuss legal options, answer any questions, and explain the next steps.

Investigation and Case Preparation

A strong legal claim requires thorough investigation. Our team gathers police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other evidence that supports the survivor’s case. We work closely with forensic experts, psychologists, and other specialists to make sure that no detail is overlooked.

Filing the Lawsuit

Once the investigation is complete, we file the necessary legal documents to formally begin the lawsuit. This step sends a clear message to the abuser and any negligent institutions that they will be held accountable for their actions.

Negotiation or Trial

Many sexual abuse cases are resolved through settlements, where the responsible party agrees to compensate the survivor without going to trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to court. Our attorneys are experienced trial litigators who will fight relentlessly to achieve justice for our clients.

Common Misconceptions About Sexual Abuse Cases

Many survivors hesitate to come forward due to misconceptions about sexual abuse cases and how the legal system works. These misunderstandings can create unnecessary fear and prevent survivors from seeking the justice they deserve. Below are some of the most common myths — and the truth behind them.

You Must Have Physical Evidence to File a Lawsuit

Many survivors believe that without DNA evidence, medical records, or eyewitnesses, they do not have a case. While physical evidence can strengthen a claim, it is not required to pursue legal action. Survivors’ testimony is powerful and can serve as key evidence in a civil lawsuit. Attorneys often use expert witnesses, psychological evaluations, and patterns of misconduct to support a survivor’s case.

If the Criminal Case Failed, You Cannot File a Civil Lawsuit

A criminal case and a civil lawsuit are two separate legal processes. Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a higher standard than civil cases. Even if criminal charges were never filed or resulted in an acquittal, survivors can still pursue civil claims for financial compensation and accountability. Civil lawsuits have a lower burden of proof, making it possible to hold abusers and negligent institutions responsible even when criminal charges do not lead to a conviction.

You Have to File a Lawsuit Immediately or Lose Your Rights

While it is true that North Carolina law imposes deadlines for filing lawsuits, the statute of limitations has been expanded in recent years, particularly for childhood sexual abuse cases. The SAFE Child Act allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a lawsuit until age 28, and certain exceptions may extend the time frame even further. Even if you think too much time has passed, you should still speak with an attorney to understand your legal options.

Only Strangers Commit Sexual Abuse

Many people believe that sexual abuse is most often committed by strangers. In reality, the vast majority of abuse is perpetrated by someone the survivor knows and trusts, such as a family member, teacher, coach, clergy member, or employer. This dynamic can make it more difficult for survivors to come forward, as they may feel guilt, confusion, or fear of retaliation. Regardless of the relationship, abuse is never the survivor’s fault, and legal action can hold the abuser accountable.

Filing a Lawsuit Will Require You to Relive Your Trauma in Court

Survivors often worry that filing a lawsuit will mean testifying in a courtroom and being forced to relive their trauma in front of a jury. While some cases do go to trial, many are resolved through settlements, allowing survivors to obtain compensation and accountability without ever stepping into a courtroom. An experienced attorney will work to make the process as smooth and private as possible, protecting your well-being while seeking justice.

Understanding the truth about sexual abuse cases can help survivors make informed decisions and take the first step toward justice. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse, do not let these misconceptions prevent you from seeking legal support. An experienced attorney can answer your questions and help you explore your options.

How Long Do You Have to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in North Carolina?

Time is a critical factor in sexual abuse cases. Survivors must act quickly to protect their legal rights, as missing a deadline can mean losing the ability to file a claim.

The SAFE Child Act, passed in 2019, extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases. Under this law, survivors who were abused as children now have until age 28 to file a civil lawsuit. In certain cases, survivors may still be able to file a claim after this deadline, but legal exceptions require careful analysis by an attorney.

For adult survivors of sexual assault, the statute of limitations varies based on the specifics of the case. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible will help make sure that survivors do not miss crucial legal deadlines and lose their chance to seek justice.

Seeking Compensation: What Damages Are Available for Survivors?

Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm they have endured. A civil lawsuit not only holds perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable but also helps survivors obtain the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives. Compensation can cover medical expenses, emotional distress, lost wages, and, in some cases, punitive damages meant to punish wrongdoing.

While no amount of money can undo the pain of abuse, financial recovery can ease the burden of treatment costs, provide long-term security, and help survivors move forward. Below are the types of damages that may be available in a sexual abuse lawsuit.

Medical Expenses

The impact of sexual abuse is not just emotional — it often leaves survivors with serious physical and psychological injuries that require medical treatment. Many survivors need long-term care, including therapy, counseling, medication, and specialized trauma recovery programs. In some cases, medical treatments for physical injuries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation services may also be necessary.

A civil lawsuit can help recover the costs of past, present, and future medical care, ensuring that survivors receive the treatment they need without financial hardship. Holding abusers and negligent institutions responsible for these expenses allows survivors to focus on healing rather than worrying about how to afford essential care.

Emotional Distress and Psychological Trauma

Sexual abuse can have lasting emotional and psychological consequences, often leading to conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Many survivors struggle with nightmares, trust issues, and the inability to maintain healthy relationships. These emotional wounds can interfere with daily life, making it difficult to function at work, school, or in social settings.

Civil lawsuits recognize the deep psychological harm caused by abuse and allow survivors to seek damages for their suffering. Compensation for emotional distress acknowledges the pain survivors have endured and helps provide the resources needed for ongoing psychological support and recovery.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

The trauma of sexual abuse can disrupt a survivor’s ability to work, either temporarily or permanently. Many survivors experience job loss, difficulty maintaining employment, or the need to change careers due to anxiety, PTSD, or other emotional struggles. Some survivors are forced to leave jobs where the abuse occurred, losing income and career opportunities in the process.

In cases where the impact of abuse prevents a survivor from working long-term or permanently, damages can cover lost future earnings and diminished earning potential. A successful lawsuit can help make sure survivors do not suffer financial hardship as a result of someone else’s wrongdoing.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, where the actions of the perpetrator or an institution were particularly egregious. Unlike other types of compensation, which are meant to help the survivor recover, punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter future abuse.

For example, if a school, church, or employer knew about ongoing abuse and actively covered it up, a court may award punitive damages to hold them accountable. These damages send a strong message that institutions and individuals who enable abuse will face serious consequences.

The Importance of Financial Compensation for Survivors

Financial compensation cannot erase the trauma of sexual abuse, but it can provide survivors with the resources and stability needed to heal. Medical treatment, therapy, career rebuilding, and financial security are all critical in the recovery process. Civil lawsuits not only help individual survivors but also contribute to broader efforts to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable, preventing future harm to others.

Why Lanier Law Group is the Right Firm for Sexual Abuse Survivors in Burlington

At Lanier Law Group, we are proud to be a leader in fighting for survivors’ rights in North Carolina. We file more lawsuits than any other firm in the state and are known for our relentless advocacy and commitment to justice. Our team provides compassionate legal support, ensuring that survivors feel empowered throughout the legal process.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse in Burlington, you do not have to go through this alone. The legal system can feel overwhelming, but you deserve a team that will stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.

Now is the time to take action. Call 919-342-1368 for a confidential consultation with an experienced attorney. You can also contact us online to discuss your case. Justice is within your reach — let us help you reclaim your power and hold those responsible accountable.

Now is the time to take action. Call 336-361-2569 for a confidential consultation with an experienced attorney. You can also contact us online to discuss your case. Justice is within your reach — let us help you reclaim your power and hold those responsible accountable.

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